Pilot Training Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope

What is Pilot Training

Pilot Training courses provide individuals with the skills necessary to operate an aircraft effectively and safely. There are four main licenses that candidates can pursue to become a pilot. The pilot training is a blend of classroom instructions, simulator training, and actual flight experience under the guidance of certified flight instructors.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the prime body that governs the licences and written tests of Pilot Training. To be eligible, candidates are also required to pass a specific written test and have a proper medical certificate. During the course, students get to learn about various aviation theories, aircraft systems, navigation, regulations, and emergency procedures.

Candidates after completing the course can opt for various career options such as Pilot, Private Jet Pilot, Commercial Pilot, or Air Ambulance Pilot. The top recruiters for Pilots are IndiGo, Vistara, GoAir, the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The average salary of a Pilot in India is Rs. 35.6 LPA depending on the company. 

Pilot Training Course Highlights

Specialisation or Similar Ones

There are some similar degrees to Pilot Training at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These degrees differ from pilot training based on their focus and scope. These similar Degrees focus on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for roles beyond piloting, including aerospace engineering, aviation management, and air traffic control.

Top Pilot Training Colleges in India

Some institutions and colleges are renowned for their Pilot Training courses and licences. Some of these institutions and colleges are aviation specific only and hence provide candidates with a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge on Pilot Training. Below are some of the colleges that offer Pilot Training.

• Flytech Aviation, Hyderabad
• GATI, Odisha
• IGRUA, Uttar Pradesh
• Carver Aviation Academy, Maharashtra
• The Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Pilot Training

There are specific eligibility criteria set by the institutions that offer Pilot Training courses. Students must ensure that they check the eligibility criteria of the desired institute before applying for admission. The common eligibility criteria for various licences of Pilot Training are as follows:

• Candidates must have qualified 10+2 in the science stream with a minimum score of 50 per cent marks. 
• Mathematics and Physics are mandatory subjects for candidates who want to have a flying career.
• Candidates should be physically fit, with perfect vision in at least one eye, and a bank guarantee of Rs. 10,000. 
• Interested candidates should also have a medical certificate.

Eligibility Criteria for Student Pilot License (SPL)

The candidates who want to apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL) have to follow specific eligibility criteria. The common eligibility criteria mentioned above should also be considered before applying for a Student Pilot License (SPL). Below are the specific requirements for a Student Pilot License (SPL).

• The candidate should have attained the age of 16 years.
• The candidate should have a minimum qualification of Class 10th passed.

Eligibility Criteria for Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

If the candidate wants to apply for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), they need to keep a check on the common eligibility criteria as well as the specific eligibility criteria set by the institutions. Below is the list of some specific eligibility criteria that candidates should follow for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

• Students applying for the PPL must be a minimum of 17 years of age.
• Candidates should have at least 40 hours of practical flying experience.
• They must appear or pass their 10th standard.

Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

The candidates, to apply for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), have to ensure that they fall under the common as well as specific eligibility criteria for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This eligibility criterion is set by the institutions and colleges that offer Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

• Candidates must be at least 18 years old
• Candidates should be appearing or passing his/ her 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from any recognised board.
• Candidates should have at least 200 hours of total flight time.
• Applicants must have also passed a minimum of 2 medical tests as per DGCA.

Top Entrance Exam for Pilot Training

To successfully apply for Pilot Training licences, candidates must appear for an entrance examination. There are various entrance examinations for pilot training, these exams are institute-specific. Students who are searching for the top institutes of CPL in India can attempt the entrance Test of AME CET.

Required Skillset for Pilot Training

The job of a pilot training professional is very exhausting and tough, they need to have certain skills to become a successful pilot. There are some skills that the candidates must have to become a successful pilot trainer.

• Aviation knowledge
• Physical fitness
• Hand-eye coordination
• Situational awareness
• Ability to work under pressure
• Creativity
• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Teamwork Skills
• Management Skills 
• Leadership Ability